Chevy Nova Chassis Build - Erectus Maximus, Part 1

Project Getaway Receives A Full Chassis Makeover

Yes, Project Getaway is still alive and kicking. We know it has been a while, but circumstances arise and projects get put on hold from time to time. Before moving forward, we'd like to pay tribute to Leo Barnaby III. Leo was a huge asset to Carroll's Rod and Racecraft (the official builder of Project Getaway), as well as the entire drag racing community. Leo died from injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident and will surely be missed by all.

We last left Project Getaway sitting patiently, awaiting the arrival of the Kenne Bell-supercharged, LS2-based 408 built by Turn Key Engine Supply in Oceanside, California. Without the engine present, it would have been a guessing game on how the engine would sit in relation to the stock hood, as well as firewall clearance. Since placing a blown LS2 into a '66 Nova is not an everyday install, proper measurements were a necessity, and guessing could result in disaster.

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Once the Kenne Bell-blown 408 arrived from Turn Key Engine Supply, we anxiously popped the crate to check it out.

As we try to progress with Ed Krawiec's ride (by the way, congrats, Ed, on winning the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship), it always seems detours become the norm, usually for the good of the project. If you've been following along, no mention has been made of making the Deuce a fully framed vehicle. Well, we're doing it. And yeah, sure, we should have been in the paint shop by now, but one can rest assured that whether it is large changes (such as the full frame job) or little subtleties (which have not yet been forged in the builder's mind), this will be a one-of-a-kind machine.

During the course of the next few installments, fabrication will be the name of the game. No prefabricated components, just a little old-fashioned elbow grease, several tools, a man and his welder. A full frame will yield the ultimate results in both chassis stiffness and that one-off look. The more ponies you throw at a chassis, the more reinforcement is needed. While adding a custom rollcage to the original chassis configuration would have been fine, we are looking for added insurance. Beyond the massive Intro Wheels wrapped in Nitto rubber, the high-powered LS2, the full frame and custom cage, this Nova is sure to be an experience behind the wheel.

After installing the prefabricated rear clip from Chris Alston's Chassisworks, along with a Chassisworks front clip with its serious suspension hardware, it was kind of a no-brainer to link the two via some 2x4 rectangular steel tubing. What makes this car differ from a traditional full-frame GM vehicle is that the frame is welded to the Nova's carcass. Most early model, mass-produced full frames are linked to the body via body bushings and mounts. While this will help in the cushy ride department, it is not what we are striving for. What are we looking for? A race-inspired, Pro Touring machine that can serve under several conditions, including the dragstrip and a night on the town.

Now follow along as Bob Carroll of Carroll's Rod and Racecraft continues to chop, cut, and create Project Getaway.

MORE PHOTOS

Once the Kenne Bell-blown 408 arrived from Turn Key Engine Supply, we anxiously popped the crate to check it out.

There was no shipping damage, so we quickly strapped the LS2 to the engine hoist for a test fit.

In order to nestle the engine into the Chassisworks front clip, we installed these billet LS mounts, also from Chris Alston's Chassisworks. Once set into place, the mounts lined up flawlessly.

Of course, firewall interference was present, but this was a good time to start making measurements. Remember, this is a blown LS engine, combined with Carroll's sinking the frame into the Nova an additional 2 1/2-inches, so fitment problems were expected.

As you can see, the engine is pretty close to the firewall (touching in a couple of spots). And as far as hood clearance goes, that is tight also.

Preliminary plans have us contacting Kenne Bell for different adapters available to mount the throttle body in an alternate location. As for the firewall problem, we planned on installing a smoothed one anyway, so let's begin cutting.

Before cutting out the firewall (which also consists of the front clip mounts), Bobby had to add a few reinforcements to the jig to properly hold the front clip in place.

Once satisfied with the clip's stability, Bobby scraped the cruddy old seam sealer from the edges and fired up the plasma cutter to commence cutting.

After the entire perimeter of the firewall was cut via a plasma cutter, we gave it a little kick and it popped right out.

Once the firewall and remaining parts of the floorboard were removed, an idea struck Bobby--why not make the Nova a fully framed vehicle?

Here is where measurements begin to flow along with finding the proper angles. Bobby cut a couple lengths of 2x4-inch rectangular steel tubing and temporarily aligned it with the same ride height as the bottom of the pinch welds beneath the doors. A few pieces of tape were then attached to get an idea of how things would look, as well as the angles required.

Also pictured are two lengths of 1-inch square tubing, which was mocked up to represent the area between the floorboard and the firewall so the frame can be designed in conjunction with the cowl, floorboard, and firewall.

Once all the proper angles are figured, each piece of the frame is test fit before TIG welding can commence. These two particular shots best illustrate how the lowest point of the frame is even with the pinch welds...

...and how the floorboard and firewall will contour to the frame, creating a strong foundation and great-looking lines.

After both framerails are erected and tacked into place, Bobby begins final welding. One seam is done at a time, as he rotates from front to back, being sure to let the metal cool in between passes. This will aid in deterring distortion to the new rails, which would be disastrous.

Peeking through the radiator support shows the completed framerails. We tried to talk Bobby into lifting the body from the customized frame for a better picture, but he wasn't having any of that.

Finally, a few more shots of the completed framerails. Our next mission will be to determine how we are going to install the custom rollcage, which will include diagonal sections, and attaching the frame to the body of the Nova.

Also, discussions have begun on how the brake lines, exhaust, and fuel lines will be routed, so stay tuned. Part 2 will cover the installation of the cage, additional frame modifications, and construction of the custom smoothed firewall.

Our Project Getaway 1966 Chevy Nova gets some steel as well as some wheel with a front clip upgrade including new fenders and a radiator support as well as wheels and Wilwood brakes - Super Chevy Magazine » Read More